Business License

What is a Business License?

A business license grants the owner the right to start and run a particular type of business in the city, county, state, or country that issues it. It is a type of permit indicating the company has the government’s approval to operate. Government agencies can fine or shut down a business that operates without a license, so find out if you need one as part of your start-up process - not all businesses require a license.

Depending on the type of business you run, you may need a local, county, state or federal license – or none at all. Where your company is located will determine the type of license you need and where to obtain it.

City Business Licenses

Check with your city’s planning or zoning department to learn whether you need a business license to start a business locally. Whether you do may depend on whether you’ll be setting up shop in a home office, which some towns closely regulate, or if you’ll be leasing commercial space. Your planning department can tell you.

County Business Licenses

Some counties require a business license, even if your city or town does not. Check with your county clerk to find out if you need one for your type of business.

State Business Licenses

States often require licenses of particular occupations, to protect the health and safety of its residents. The most common occupations that require licenses include: